The chorus was
especially fine, the words "Inkanye kanye" ringing through the room with
great fervor. This is not a literal translation of the words "Hold the
Fort," but it is difficult, as the teacher explained to me, for the
translator to avail himself of the usual word for "hold," as it conveys
more the idea of "take hold," "seize," and the young Kafir missionary
thoroughly understood all the nicety of the idiom. There was another
class for women and children, but it was a small one. Certainly, the
young men seemed much in earnest, and the rapt expression of their faces
was most striking, especially during the short prayer which followed the
hymn and ended the school for the afternoon.
I have had constantly impressed upon my mind since my arrival the advice
_not_ to take Christian Kafirs into my service, but I am at a loss to
know in what way the prejudice against them can have arisen. "Take a
Kafir green from his kraal if you wish to have a good servant," is what
every one tells me. It so happens that we have two of each--two
Christians and two heathens--about the place, and there is no doubt
whatever which is the best. Indeed, I have sometimes conversations with
the one who speaks English, and I can assure you we might all learn from
him with advantage. His simple creed is just what came from the
Saviour's lips two thousand years ago, and comprises His teaching of the
whole duty of man--to love God, the great "En' Kos," and his neighbor as
himself.
Pages:
251
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275